Transcriptome profiling of Phytophthora pathogenicity genes: regulation of cell wall degrading enzyme synthesis during plant infection. This project will catalogue the repertoire of enzymes produced by plant pathogens to break down plant cell walls during initial penetration and later establishment of disease. This project will determine how production of these enzymes is regulated and how their function is optimised to achieve successful plant infection.
Transcriptome analysis of Phytophthora–plant interactions: characterisation of plant inhibitor proteins targeting Phytophthora extracellular effectors. A critical aspect of plant defence is protection of plant cell walls against pathogen penetration. Plants achieve this through the activity of inhibitors that specifically target pathogen cell wall degrading enzymes. These inhibitor proteins have great potential in engineering improved plant resistance to disease but their use is hampered by limi ....Transcriptome analysis of Phytophthora–plant interactions: characterisation of plant inhibitor proteins targeting Phytophthora extracellular effectors. A critical aspect of plant defence is protection of plant cell walls against pathogen penetration. Plants achieve this through the activity of inhibitors that specifically target pathogen cell wall degrading enzymes. These inhibitor proteins have great potential in engineering improved plant resistance to disease but their use is hampered by limited knowledge of their deployment and specificity. This project will produce an in-depth understanding of the identity, regulation and role of plant inhibitors that combat attack by destructive pathogens in the genus Phytophthora. It will not only address the serious problem of Phytophthora diseases in Australia but will also apply to plant defence against other pathogens.Read moreRead less
Molecular basis of synergy between PIs and defensins against fungi. The plant defensin nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit 1 (NaD1) has potent antifungal activity against agricultural and human pathogens and has potential in the treatment of serious diseases that affect crop production and human health. NaD1 has been found to permeabilise membranes and allows entry of other molecules into the fungal cytoplasm. While screening for molecules that enhance the activity of defensi ....Molecular basis of synergy between PIs and defensins against fungi. The plant defensin nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit 1 (NaD1) has potent antifungal activity against agricultural and human pathogens and has potential in the treatment of serious diseases that affect crop production and human health. NaD1 has been found to permeabilise membranes and allows entry of other molecules into the fungal cytoplasm. While screening for molecules that enhance the activity of defensins a number of proteinase inhibitors were identified that act synergistically with NaD1. This project aims to identify the molecular basis of this synergy which is expected to lead to better control of fungal diseases of crops and in humans.Read moreRead less